Costuming Buying Guide Part 2 - Online Fabric Stores and Costuming Accessory Kits

[@frockups5931]

oh no, i did not need to know yet more fabric stores...and yet, i voluntarily and enthusiastically clicked on this video.

[@frockups5931]

oh! and if anyone is looking for silk tulle that is not $100/yard, thai silks has it in white, nude and black. it's under 'chiffon' or you can use the search bar. it's quite nice stuff and like $14

[@KatieCottingham]

🙈 Same!

[@stephaniew2545]

Not only was this extremely informative, but it felt like I was fabric shopping with a friend. ❤️❤️❤️. Thanks for all the great information!

[@elementgypsy]

yes!

[@Costuming_Drama]

💖💖 I’m so glad!!

[@MonaSkovJensen]

That Swedish store 'Historical fabric store' will ruin me for sure! This video was true eye-candy! Thank you!

[@celiafaux5514]

You are such a good egg. It makes me so so happy and inspired to see someone into history and sewing who is also using her platform to support causes that make the world a better place for everyone 💕

[@Lillyk96]

Some of my other favorite places are: Fabworks Mill - Most amazing wools and tweeds (prices are super good too because of the exchange rate) Dharma Trading Co. - Undyed Fabric and Every thing you might need to dye that fabric (Also for anyone who is avoiding a certain company named after the rain forest in Brazil they own Fabric.com)

[@Lillyk96]

Also Penelope's Textiles on Etsy - She has amazing lace, tons of cross stitch supplies, and cool notions

[@MendyLady]

I'm always astounded that people never mention Dharma!

[@penguine342]

@@MendyLady Me too! They have great customer service, great fabric, great prices, and honestly, sometimes I just read the product descriptions when I need cheering up.

[@beccaz3]

This is a great video! I would also suggest that before going to fabric.com (owned by Amazon), check out your local quilt stores! They are usually run by lovely humans, carry many of the same products, and could really use some love during the pandemic

[@blktauna]

i was going to say the same. Support small business!

[@allieswitzer]

And if your LQS doesn't have something, there's also fatquartershop.com and hancocks-paducah.com

[@rmcates3035]

@@allieswitzer I love Hancock-Paducah. I quilt as well and it’s a fantastic place to see in person

[@SuperPooped]

I keep thinking “CLICK ON THAT ONE!!” every time there’s a nice rich green fabric

[@playme129]

I think the same about Blue. Virginia

[@BurnleyandTrowbridge]

Thank you! We appreciate the shout out for small business!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@karenbensdon4643]

I laughed, I drooled, I saved this video to a playlist I have for sewing related 'reference' videos. This is so helpful and I really appreciate your expanding my fabric buying world.

[@xdarkswanwaterx]

I was so surprised and happy to see vogue fabrics in this video! I recently moved to Chicago and went to their physical store, which is family owned and amazing 😍

[@shelleymonson8750]

Fun fact about McCullough and Wallace - Project Catwalk, the British version of Project Runway, usually sent their competitors to M&W.

[@ashleyknutson2268]

Wawak is another great place for notions and sewing tools. Great prices, fast shipping.

[@karastart65]

Wawak is also excellent for buying notions in bulk!

[@agimagi2158]

This was like educational fabric p*rn for 40 minutes! No but seriously this was super helpful and I've been taking notes like crazy, especially with the european located shops! The tweed

[@YetAnotherJenn]

Spot on.

[@moriahhale1030]

Also, as an FYI, if you use "flax" instead of "ilovelinen" at fabric-store.com you will get a 10% discount instead of 7%. (I tried to see if someone already mentioned it, but there are a lot of comments). ^_^

[@silverpelt2100]

I live close to Vogue's store and go there all the time. They have a TON of remnants at great prices, including really beautiful silks. All their prices are super reasonable and they have some really beautiful and unique stuff!

[@fiberterian]

I used to live in the Chicago area and I miss Vogue Fabrics so much! I've always found some amazing things there.

[@TheAgeofFabulous]

Burnley and Towbridge handkerchiefs are PHENOMENAL - I use them all the time for my hair and bags. They are gorgeous and well stitched. But once again, this is WHY I am broke. (Or a giant wishlist for my birthday/Christmas since my birthday is on the 14th!)

[@Fishiepwincess]

I adooooore fabric wholesale direct! I had to watch to make sure it was in there haha. I cosplay so fiber isn't priority. I've bought SO MUCH satin from them 🤣🤣🤣 I just placed a huge order black friday

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I'm amazed that you didn't have fabricmartfabrics.com on your list! They send out daily emails about a super sale on one particular fabric (I've gotten silk from that daily deal for about $5-9/yd on occasion, and they also have frequent sales on silk and wool. They're all smallish yardage amounts available, so once they're gone, they're gone, but definitely worth checking out. Today they have a handful of silk taffetas for $14/yd.

[@amandabashor1312]

I adore Fabric Mart! I discovered them recently and have purchased way too many beautiful silks and wools from them. They have amazing customer service as well!

[@amiejo]

I love being able to pet the fabric in person, but some of those websites are adequate enough for plague times

[@ericajones3817]

You mentioned pretty much all my favorites, and gave me a whole bunch of new places to drool over. I'm sure someone has mentioned Dharma Trading Co., but I just had to mention them for undyed fabrics, as well as a lovely collection of dyed silk chiffon, and china silks. I also highly reccomend their silk gauze, if you're looking for a wispy bit of nothing sheer fabric. It's also my favorite source for reels of cotton lace. Speaking of notions and trims, cheeptrims is a source for all kinds of fun and useful things. Just be prepared for a $65 purchasing minimum, and most items to be in large bolts and reels (10 to 500 yards, depending on the item). One other thing to consider with embroidery threads- lace weight yarns. I use lace weight silk, wool, alpaca, and cashmere for a lot of Medieval style or inspired embroidery. It's often easier to find, and sometimes much cheaper than wool or silk embroidery threads. Good for anything that could also be done in pearl cotton.

[@CaseyReneeCosplay]

I totally just bought fabric that I don't need but ya know I wanted sooooooooo....lol thank you thought this was amazing and I learned about quite a few new places to shop online!

[@drhelenloney1426]

Holy Crap! Thai Silks!! Blast from my teen past!!! I'm so glad they are still in business!!!! I think they are older than me (and I'm turning 60 this year). Good for them for managing any website at all

[@lesleyharris525]

So many pretty fabric and notions,so tempting.

[@ZacharyDBrooks]

Unsolicited advice for online fabric shopping: Ordering swatches is a chore but so is paying a fortune for fabric that you turn out to hate.

[@kallandar13]

I just treated myself to some supplies from Burnley & Trowbridge, and cannot recommend them enough! Nice packaging, speedy shipping, and gorgeous quality!!

[@katherinemorelle7115]

If anyone has any recommendations for cheap, natural fibre fabrics in Australia, that would be greatly appreciated. Because most of the fabric stores in America either don’t ship here at all, or if they do, it’s ridiculously expensive (like, $70-$100 per delivery type expensive, depending on weight, obviously). I do have one recommendation myself, and that’s for Lincraft bleached homespun cotton- it’s about $5.50/m, a d while it’s a tad stiff or rough to begin with, once washed it becomes really nice. I find it great for undergarments like chemises, drawers a d petticoats, and you can even use it for blouses if you don’t mind a slightly looser weave. I find it serviceable, especially for summer blouses, it’s a nice cool fabric to wear. But apart from that, it’s difficult. Spotlight (the Aussie version of Joann’s from the sounds of it) sells fabric, not much that’s high quality, and it’s all around the $25/m mark. So it’s not that great, and it’s expensive, and it’s very limited when it comes to decent natural fibres fabrics. I also have an issue finding corset supplies in Australia, but I’ll likely ask for more recs in that video. But yeah- any recommendations for stores that sell relatively cheap, fairly decent natural fibre fabrics, and that won’t cost an arm and a leg in shipping, that would be amazing!

[@EnnameMori]

Tessuti in Sydney have a reasonable range of fabrics and ship within Australia. There is also wearethefabricstore.com.au. Alas there are very few decent phsyical stores left :/

[@katherinemorelle7115]

@@EnnameMori thank you so much! I find it really difficult to get decent fabric here, and especially fabric that isn’t too insanely expensive. I can’t afford $30/m for linen that I’m only going to make shifts out of, you know? Which is incredibly sad, given that I live in Queensland, and have more of a need for linen garments than many people. One of the very first pieces of clothing I ever made was a very basic linen sleeveless nightie, with the body taken from Morgan Donner’s shift tutorial. And during summer, it’s on a constant wash and wear cycle, because it’s by far the most comfortable nightie I own- and as I’m disabled and wear nighties the vast majority of the time, it does get A LOT of use. I just wish I could afford to make five more, in varying sleeve lengths. But alas, decent line is hard to find, and even harder to find for less than $30/m. That’s a very expensive nightie, given I need at least two metres to make it. The struggles.

[@tea.an.crumpets8706]

The Remnant Warehouse in Sydney has good deals at different times as well as discounts for bulk orders and you can order online: theremnantwarehouse.com/

[@kimlaffont9951]

Thank you. I'm a Textile Artist and just loved watching your video.

[@taddances75]

It is hard to know what to trust while online shopping, and with a tight budget to consider, your experience saves me time and money. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@Griiisetryne]

Haha! @ 29:59 I totally heard "hemmed fabric" and was suddenly VERY intrigued

[@judicousineau]

Oh my! So many options. Thank you so very much for this detailed compilation.

[@rosieheyward2540]

Thank you so much for this, and for including uk shops! Most costubers seem to be in the US and you all recommend Burnley and Trowbridge but I just can't justify the shipping and customs charges.

[@megankuchta9145]

Vogue has two physical locations in Evanston (north suburb of Chicago). However, one is a warehouse, and if you see a fabric you like you have to be prepared to buy it all. The staff at both locations were lovely though.

[@estellagrace7276]

I get so excited looking at such pretty fabrics! Sadly, the range of fabric available in NZ is sad, and shipping from overseas is expensive so I will just continue to vicariously enjoy fabric shopping through other people hahaha

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I’m Aussie, and have the same problem. If an American store ships here (if), the delivery is just so expensive it’s not really worth it. But then again, our big fabric/sewing/craft store isn’t great, and they’re expensive, so maybe it’s worth trying? It might even end up about the same price.

[@Mommamacnz]

You and me both. I have Spotlight and Lincraft near me in Christchurch and frankly the quality at either isn't great.

[@tiffanyballard6565]

You might consider reaching out to SCA folks in Australia/New Zealand (Kingdom of Lochac), they may have fabric buying suggestions for natural fibers.

[@angelateece3606]

Thank you for the shopping guide! In the UK, I would recommend Fabworks for reasonably priced wool and Merchant and Mills for all the beautful things and haberdashery.

[@TheAngelofBlood]

No regrets on having several new tabs open on my computer, for all of these new fabric stores, to scroll through 😶. Thank you for putting these videos together!! ❤️

[@roxiepoe9586]

Hello! Thank you for doing all the leg work for us. :)

[@quicksilvertears921]

I was so excited to see this video. I have already purchased linen based in your suggestions and it was beautifully made. Thank you for these compilations.

[@tarheeltiger]

Wow. Thanks for the tip for the Fabrics Store emails. I've bought stuff from them and received those emails but didn't realize I could save them for the price.

[@tiffanyballard6565]

Also, if you put it in your cart, regardless of when you finally buy, you'll get the price it will as at when you selected it.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Great list. I’m so in lust with a number of fabrics you were showing!!! I have half a dozen projects on the go and deadlines looming!!!! But drooling on my computer at fabric is way more fun!!!

[@kjtherrick4031]

Thank you! And, as an update to last week's guide: following your recs, I looked, purchased, and have received four wonderful items from Saltwater Notions on Etsy. Thanks for those and these recs!

[@danielletdg8423]

So incredibly helpful. Thank you for going through all the work of putting this together. I'm trying to get to a place where I'm buying more organic fabrics, and work through all the Joann fabrics I have purchased over the years. 😁❤

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

Thank you for this great resource! And darn you for making me squirrel again! Now I want to buy wool for a new project when I have my walking skirt wool already, plus a dozen other projects I'm working on simultaneously. I seriously regret deciding to sew Christmas presents when I could be selfishly sewing everything else lol.

[@TimesmithDressHistory]

What a great selection - appreciate the international approach. I'd just add a few observations from my experiences with MacCulloch & Wallis... yes, the customer service can be pretty... "whatevah"... in store. The mail order customer service however has been great so long as Tony is in charge. He'll actually phone you if there's any question. And I've phoned him directly if I've placed an order and then 10 minutes later spotted something else I want to add to that order. Because their shipping policies are a kicker - you get hit hard up front with a minimum charge no matter what the size/weight/value is. So do what you have to do to combine orders if you suddenly think of something more. And get on the phone with Tony to do that. Also - they do have a superb selection for all 19th-21st century sewing needs. For 18th century.... not so much. So make decisions ahead of time of how HA you want to be, balanced against all the usuals... availability, delivery time, price, etc. If you don't need super authentic and M&W have something that gets your look in the ballpark you need, go for it. If not, move on. There are a lot of 18th century suitable suppliers here, you just need to find them because they're just not all in one place like what you've got in the USA with everything covered across maybe 3-4 suppliers. Always happy to help with any UK supplier questions.

[@lavendah42]

thanks for giving some anecdotal info on many fabric stores I had come across, but also the bank balance does not thank you for the enabling LOL. Either way, I can go forth & purchase with confidence :D

[@modmamaodon2945]

This video is a gift...thank you!

[@petapendlebury9024]

De vere threads are lovely. They were very happy to match a swatch of ribbon I sent them so my flossing thread is a fabulous match. Midland Textiles are a great source for cotton organdy here in the UK. Their eBay shop is Midtexltd i think and it has more selection than their website. They are very helpful too.

[@threadsandpurrs]

Thank you Noelle. I've been looking for a deal on muslin. I'm also a big fan of fabric-store.com....

[@threadsandpurrs]

I just ordered some of the muslin

[@Costuming_Drama]

I hope you love it!!

[@threadsandpurrs]

@@Costuming_Drama thanks. I'm planning to use some for linings when it gets here. I'm hoping to make some flared dresses but the fabric I have is slightly transparent under some lighting, so it needs to be lined. 🧵🥰

[@e_viola]

This video is holy grail of fabric treasures!

[@ritad673]

Hi, Noelle! A HUGE thumbs up. Thanks a megabilliokazillion for this video. My fabric budget will be increased exponentially!

[@khaxjc1]

I haven't watched the video yet but Im so hoping the Lace museum/shop (I think thats what it is? Sorry sick brain) that she went to with Cathy shows up. Their website is in desperate need of an upgrade but the things they have! Ive spent hours ooing at everything. Lots of tools and bits and books and more! Things Ive never seen for sale before and things I havent seen in years.

[@aprilmalinowski4265]

Information overload. This was awesome. Thanks for all the suggestions.

[@shetarab4136]

Im making my first costume and I couldn't justify buying real silk and wool. I know i will do a great job and ill love what I will make so im not ashamed it will be poly. Thank you for not shaming people that just want to be creative and join in.

[@l.schweig4852]

Thank you for sharing! One of my favorite thing to do with any fabric site is to go directly to the remnants, end cuts, and last chance items. Can I cover a hat with that piece? Is that enough to make a stomacher, a bonnet, a whatever doesn't require a whole heck of a lot? Two places I have found really wonderful, unique remnants at are Beautiful Textiles (oh, this store lives up to its name!) and Farmhouse Fabrics. Farmhouse Fabrics have attentive staff too, which is a bonus when you are shopping online.

[@beatricenowell8207]

You have a great deal of knowledge in this area and you seem to only present trustworthy vendors. Well Done!

[@marcellarensi131]

For the bargain hunters, Stone Mountain does have their designer deadstock listed and available on the website. Coupons apply. For those of you who shopped the brick and mortar pre-COVID, these are the designer rolls in the barrels up in the second floor discount/class area.

[@barbaraleaweaver-mercado1820]

Thank you so much!

[@hannahphillips-ryan398]

I haven't purchased from them, but I've been eyeing the Dorr Mill Store for their variety and great prices on wool!

[@liscampbell7759]

THIS was just in time. I was on the look for some of these things. Even without a Pandemic, there is nothing in South Texas. Alas, I cannot fly "home" to the Bay Area to visit family either. Sadness. Good to know that there are new fabric places.Was deeply saddened when Poppies closed down in Oakland. I think my Mom has to shop at Joann's now in her neck of the woods. My brother and his family still live in the east bay. So many places now to go look at when I have time. Which will be soon as I am done with school and Graduated. Just have to keep my kid up to date with school now. Then holiday time for a bit. Stay healthy, best wishes

[@sk8luv2222]

I forget if you mentioned this, but if you order fabric from Mood (you might need to have an account) they let you throw in 5 yards of muslin for $10 which is an awesome add on!

[@lilayogaom]

Thanks for this awesome list Noelle! ❤️❤️❤️

[@bigc8127]

This video totally rules!

[@krysil1221]

I've been eyeing some tartan wool to make a walking skirt and vest/waistcoat, thanks for the suggestions on where to look!

[@lindabloom6666]

This is a dannnnngerous video!!!

[@gillyvincent881]

Thanks Noelle! This was so helpful, and you always present things in such a lovely way! Thanks for sharing!👍

[@Lady_dromeda]

I got most of the fabrics I have from a local thrift store 😅 they tend to have various rolls of fabrics, and also nice bedsheets (I made a chemise with a cotton bed sheet and it is much softer than the first chemise I had made)

[@thelittlecostumery]

Thank you! I patiently await for COVID to end so I can once again traverse the Canadian-US border to get fabrics like these. Shipping to Canada usually prices me out so after exchange, shipping and possible customs charges, I can’t always do it unless I do a cross border pickup. Thankfully there are more and more online Canadian sources too. 😊

[@emiishino5422]

Thank you for the information.

[@canucknancy4257]

Hello Noelle. A silk arsenal, everyone needs one of those. Yes. Red is definitely your colour. I will definitely check out all these sites to see if I can find a pink tweed. I want to make an Umbridge cosplay. I've been drooling over that Advent calendar every time Juul puts up an IG vid. Thanks so much for all the references. So many pretty things. Take care.

[@AJ-Tivol]

I live out in the middle of nowhere and the nearest city doesn't have great fabric stores. As a returning sewist, I need to find some places online so this is really helpful. Thank you.

[@Jedimanda]

damn!! this video is insanely helpful. thanks Noelle!

[@drhelenloney1426]

Thanks for this, it’s really helpful!

[@caitlinsmith5075]

One for the Australians and New Zealanders: The Fabric Store is a really great store. Not the cheapest, but a great selection of linen, liberty cottons, silk and wool. If you happen to be in a city with a store, the storefronts are amazing and often have remnant designer fabrics, but their online storefront is also great, and much more affordable shipping than things coming from the US or Europe!

[@FlybyStardancer]

Yay a list of good stores! Most are new to me. :D

[@darlebalfoort8705]

I really appreciate this. I've been dismayed by what my local stores carry.

[@rachelmiller2280]

I 100% love this video and am not one bit salty that you gave me new places to visit and drool over :)

[@fitzyfitz95]

You can also get tarlatan from your local craft store, it is used for cleaning linocut block printing supplies

[@TheChickiboots]

Thank you for adding a UK store! I love watching these, but I normally can't easily buy stuff from the stores stated (I just like looking at the pretties) Definitely checking that out!

Another amazingly informative video...loved it! 👍🏼😀

[@MsDawn0113]

Thank you so much. So many new stores to check out.

[@juliehenry6421]

Zinks fabrics they have decent prices and lots of fabrics -Obies in Goodville Pa - take a flashlight - literally floor to ceiling in 2 stories ( if your clostrophobic don't go - ) -The Lace Place , Martindale Pa -Lots and lots of lace and great prices

[@khaxjc1]

Julie Henry as someone in PA I thank you for this greatly.

[@juliehenry6421]

@@khaxjc1 do you know where they are? I live no more than 10 min from each of them

[@sabrinaqualley5743]

Incredibly helpful - Thank You!

[@sarahball1683]

Thank you so much for providing this information! The only local store option I have for fabric is Joann, so online has become a go to. It's great to know where you'd recommend looking.

[@elementgypsy]

I am so happy with all these choices! so many I never knew or found yet. Thank you!!!! like that Mood sometimes has videos of the fabric!

[@brigidscaldron]

Omg I JUST bought some linen from Fabric-Store.com! I’m so happy to see you recommend them!

[@brigidscaldron]

I’ve seen Bernadette go to Mood in some of her vlogs!

[@blktauna]

they have very good product and excellent prices.

[@Ragnaran]

Stoffe.de is a great German shop for pretty much all your fabric needs if you’re in the German speaking realm

[@TimesmithDressHistory]

I second that! I've had some great things from them.

[@kiracraft3360]

Thank you so much for this! Added a few more fabric shops to my favorites

[@sandiemable]

Hi Noelle! Good to see you . Thank you much for putting out a go to list for every one. I will be checking out the wool for a jacket I want to make. I am having with drawl symptoms It has been a while since we have had a long video with a side of rant......just saying xoxo's

[@Costuming_Drama]

Yeah, but I need a break from sewing for a bit!!

[@ladydunraven]

@@Costuming_Drama take as long as you need, we all do at times. Like many others, thank you for putting the list together, i look forward tot he 3rd instalment where i will be using your lists as a starting point and adding to them from the comments, currently updating now when i read this post. Thank you for what you do. We all appreciate it.

[@sandiemable]

@@Costuming_Drama I understand; I just wanted to let you know that you are loved and missed xoxoxo's

[@denisehendrick1110]

Thanks so much for the mention! And yes, all my designs are digitized for machine embroidery as well as hand embroidery. :)

[@monicapharo2330]

Thank you Noelle for this wonderful video, great presentation ... adding to your list - ‘Farmhouse Fabrics’ (Heirloom specialists... ribbons, French lace, trim, fabric)

[@123goldenlily]

huh, this was uploaded on my birthday. a wonderful video!!

[@Costuming_Drama]

Happy birthday!!

[@selkiemorien9006]

I wasn't going to watch this initially because I thought it would probably all be US-based, but then I did anyway... and saved all of the fabric/notion-shops that are not in the US to look up later (even if they're more expensive, usually the shipping to Europe will balance that out quite a bit xD). Thank you for compiling such a comprehensive list. I'll look through the comments as well to find more suggestions :D

[@pheart2381]

Cotswold Needlecraft in the u.k. is good for basic equipment and especially for cross stitch and embroidery supplies.

[@shellylrobinson6999]

.... I don’t need more fabric.... but it’s all so pretty!

[@Costuming_Drama]

Yeah 🤣

[@playme129]

I'm a quilter not a costumer. I started by sewing doll clothes then my own clothes. I loved these two videos and am looking forward to #3. With the appropriate fabric, wouldn't the shift patterns be a good basis for a summer dress? Virginia in northern Ohio. Healthy Holidays, everyone.

[@elisabethm9655]

Oh my goodness, this video is so information rich! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !

[@Kera.S.]

TFS ❣️This is such a great way to learn more about fabric types as well. So excited I found this one! 💙

[@floatinglotuswomenswellness]

Stone Mountain is one of my absolute faves and I've been shopping there practically since they opened. And their upstairs bargains are incredible! They're totally online at the moment and they've really worked hard to bring everything online. Staff is incredible when they reopen too, and their button selection is not to be sneezed at!

[@AgentPedestrian]

For all yall swedish peeps there's also handelsgillet.se They generally have a nice selection of dyed wool and other historical fabrics. Korps.se is also a good one but unlike handelsgillet they do deal in recycled wools aswell so you have to be more careful in selecting your fabric

[@tiffanytomasino335]

I was very excited to see this and foresee much referencing. I don’t even have a Joann’s where I live, the closest is nearly 3 hrs away. Thank you for sharing

[@lornadavis476]

Thanks so much! I wouldn't know a good price for silks and wools if it wapped me upside the head. I want to make an Edwardian long coat like Bernadette has. I'm almost ready to draft the pattern. Fingers crossed 🤞